Excess inventory is one of the most expensive problems in retail — and one of the most preventable. Yet for most brands, the buying and production decisions that create inventory problems are made months before the problem becomes visible. This session is about closing that gap. We'll explore how leading brands are using AI and predictive analytics to forecast demand, reduce buying errors, and build production schedules. We'll be honest about where the technology is delivering and where human judgment remains irreplaceable. We'll also tackle the structural tension between market speed and manufacturing lead times, and how brands are managing uncertainty through shorter runs, nearshoring, and smarter use of option agreements. If your markdown rate is higher than you'd like, or your forecasting feels more like guessing than analysis, this is the session to attend.

Moderator: Eddie Hertzman, CEO, HGI
Speakers: 
Alex Albert, Vice President of Supply Chain & Procurement, XPONENTIAL Health & Wellness Brands
Daren Hull, CEO, Resonance NYC 
Robert Krieger, President, Norman Krieger